Decision By Paris Court Of Appeal - A Significant Triump To Upholding Malaysia's Sovereignty, Safeguarding Strategic Assets - Arthur

KOTA KINABALU, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- The recent decision by the Paris Court of Appeal to completely annul the “Final Award” to the self-proclaimed heirs of the Sulu Sultanate is a significant triumph in upholding Malaysia's sovereignty and the safeguarding of the nation's strategic assets, the Sabah State Assembly was told today.

Sook Assemblyman Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the success achieved is a testament to the close cooperation between the state government and the federal government, as well as the dedication and expertise of the country's legal team in protecting the state's interests on the global stage.

 “Malaysia has recorded a huge success at the international level with the decision of the Paris Court of Appeal in completely nullifying the final award in the case of the claim by the self-proclaimed Sulu Sultanate against Sabah.

“This decision not only upholds the country’s legal sovereignty, but also protects Malaysia’s economic interests and strategic assets, especially in Sabah.

“This success is the result of close cooperation and concerted efforts by the state government, the federal government and the country’s legal team who acted firmly, professionally and consistently, up to the international level," he said.

Arthur (BN-Sook) said this when debating the Sabah Supply Bill 2026 at the Sabah Assembly sitting here today.

On Dec 9, the Paris Court of Appeal concluded that Gonzalo Stampa, the arbitrator responsible for the issuance of the Final Award, involving USD14.9 billion, in the Malaysian-Sulu case, lacked jurisdiction and further established that no valid arbitration agreement bound Malaysia to the proceedings.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said hailed the victory as not just a legal success but a triumph for the dignity, sovereignty, and rights of all Malaysians, particularly the people of Sabah.

She described the ruling as a significant achievement for the entire nation.

The Sulu Special Secretariat War Room, on behalf of the Malaysian Government, confirmed the Paris Court of Appeal's decision on Dec 9, and that the official judgment was received early the following morning.

-- BERNAMA